The Traditional Way To A Publisher

On the
road to finding a reputable publisher, there are steps that must be taken in order to reach those reputable
publishers. First lets state that the entertainment industry is all about the
connections you have and what you know. As a rookie music composer ready to
attempt at finding opportunities in the music industry, a certain connection is
needed to mediate between the publisher and us. Most production companies will
instantly refuse to review unsolicited works, which most likely will be thrown
in the trash once received. Getting to the first step at finding a publisher,
find a reputable agent that best thrives in your field of
choice and at your skill level. An agent is the go between that can
successfully solicit works to production companies. Agents have those vital
connections to the industry that is needed to get to that next level.

When
researching for that special agent in your life, there are many resources that
can be used, such asagent
directoriesand websites like theNational Music Publishers Association. Once
you get a list of agents that relates to your skill level and career focus. It
is time to begin sending out query letters.
First, lets understand that each agent has set in place certain
guidelines that must be followed before attempting to make contact. Guidelines
such as how much of a following you may have, or having works already thriving
and in rotation throughout the industry, that’s just naming a few.

Now that
it is understood what requirements are needed to send out a query
letter, lets understand what
a query letter is. A query letter is a single page cover letter, introducing a
little about yourself, your work and your skill, That is it. A query letter
consists of two to three concise paragraphs, the hook/sizzle, a small summary
bio, and thankfulness. Please do not stray from this path or you may risk
losing the agents interest. Once you nab that special agent in your life, it is
time to seek out a publisher. In order to seek out a publisher, it is now time
to create anEPKor
aphysical
press kit. Just as a side note an agents
commission ranges between
10% - 20% commission on gross revenue made. A press kit is simply an
information packet about a business or product. A press kit is something like a
resume for your company. This information will address questions from the
media, investors, potential clients and anyone else who may need it.

What is in a press kit, lets break down
what a press kit consists of:

A cover
letteris something
like a pitch letter, which represents the first impression the reader will get
from reading it. In this instance, lets think of the cover letter as the query letter that has already been
sent out.

The cover page of the press kit is a
summary of a short introduction of you or your band and displays what your
career focus is.

The bio
speaks for its self; it’s a biography, which is a comprehensive explanation and
account of your life and career as an entertainer.

Including a band photo is as serious as the biography, a professional
photo of you as an entertainer displays how you conduct your self as an
industry professional and places a face to the bio.

An equipment
page is needed to display the equipment you use for your career focus
and when you perform live.

Booking
information is
crucial because any interested potential clients will need a detailed way of
contacting you; it is good to have multiple means of contact.

A 3
to 4 song demo of your best material is needed to showcase to venues and
potential clients to get an idea on your skills and music.

Testimonials are used to show venues and clients what
you have done and the people who notice your work. This section can consist of
news clippings, reviews and notable mentions.

Business
cards are also
self-explanatory, which is another means of contact and a way to easily
distribute your calling card to anyone of interest.

All of this content once gathered should
be complied together in a professional folder layout and placed in
a professional envelope. Once your press kit is ready for the masses, it is time to begin sending out
your press kit.